When to Plant Tomatoes in Franklin County, FL
Tomatoes are the most popular home garden crop, available in thousands of varieties from tiny cherries to massive beefsteaks. They are warm-season plants needing full sun.
Franklin County, Florida is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is February 25 and the first fall frost is November 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 276 days.
At an elevation of 487 feet, Franklin County receives approximately 59.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Tomatoes may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Tomatoes will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Tomatoes root diseases.
Franklin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
4.9-6
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Franklin County
How your county's soil matches Tomatoes's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.9–6.0) is more acidic than Tomatoes prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Franklin County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Tomatoes will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Tomatoes.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.6%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Tomatoes.
How to Plant Tomatoes
Succession Planting Tomatoes
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 04 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Tomatoes
Tomatoes needs approximately 1.2 inches of water per week (5.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Tomatoes Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 5.2" | 2.8" | 2.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 5.2" | 3.2" | 2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 5.2" | 2.6" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 5.2" | 4" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 5.2" | 7.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 5.2" | 9.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 5.2" | 10" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 5.2" | 7.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 5.2" | 4.9" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 5.2" | 2.9" | 2.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Franklin County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Tomatoes Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Tomatoes Planting Timeline — Franklin County, FL
Tomatoes Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 7 | Jan 7 – Jan 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 11 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Direct Sow | March 4 | Mar 4 – Mar 25 |
| Harvest | May 13 | May 13 – Jul 22 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 24" apart · Rows 36" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | — |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1.2"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–85 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
276 days in Franklin County
Growing Tips for Tomatoes in Franklin County
Direct sow Tomatoes outdoors after February 25 in Franklin County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Franklin County dries quickly — mulch Tomatoes with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 96°F in Franklin County, provide afternoon shade for Tomatoes and water deeply in the morning.
Common pests for Tomatoes in this region include tomato hornworm and aphids. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost. Bury transplants deep to encourage rooting along the stem. Provide consistent moisture to prevent blossom end rot and cracking.
Recommended Tomatoes Varieties for Franklin County
Heat-set varieties that pollinate reliably above 90°F
Your long season supports large indeterminate heirloom types
Disease-resistant varieties for your humid climate
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Isolate 25 ft between varieties for purity. Use open-pollinated varieties for true-to-type seeds.
Tomatoes in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Tomatoes in Franklin County, FL?
Franklin County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of February 25. Plan your Tomatoes planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Franklin County, FL?
Franklin County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is February 25 and first fall frost is November 28.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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